Theological wordbook of the Old Testament PDF
Preview Theological wordbook of the Old Testament
THEOLOGICAL WORDBOOK OFTHE OLD TESTAMENT Volume 1 R. Laird Harris, Editor Gleason L. Archer, Jr., Associate Editor Bruce K. Waltke, Associate Editor MOODY PRESS CHICAGO © 1980 by THE MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO 7 Printing/ RM / Year 88 87 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be repro duced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament Includes bibliographies and index. 1. Bible. O.T.-Dictionaries-Hebrew. 2. Bible. O.T.-Theology-Dictionaries. I. Harris, Robert Laird. II. Archer, Gleason Leonard, 1916- III. Waltke, Bruce K. BS440.T49 221.4'4'0321 80-28047 ISBN 0-8024-8631-2 (set) Printed in the United States of America INTRODUCTION The value of books for theological word study of the Old and New Testaments has long been reco'gnized. W. E. Vine's word studies are well-known in the New Testament field. The major work, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, is now being matched by an extensive Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, which will run into many volumes. Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament follows in this tradition, but approaches the matter from a practical and less exhaustive viewpoint than the major studies. The busy pastor or earnest Christian worker who has neither the time nor background for detailed technical study should yet have a tool for the study of the significant theological words of the Hebrew Bible. The editors and Moody Press are of the conviction that essential to the right under standing ofthe theological terms ofthe Old Testament is a belief in the Bible's truth. Spiritual things are "spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2: 14). Therefore, about thirteen years ago, they enlisted the help of some forty evangelical scholars who would write essay definitions of the important theological terms in the Old Testament that would be helpful to their brothers in the work of interpreting Scripture. Word study does not lead to a tc;italu nderstanding of the Old Testament text-or any text. Words must always be taken in context. They have an area of meaning, thus 'ämar may sometimes mean "speak," sometimes "command." Thus, it overlaps with däbar on the one band and ·. räwao n the other. Also, the etymologies of words are not always determinative of meanings, In English we use words every day that are of pagan origin but no longer bear any such connotation. We derive the names of our months from Roman deities and our weekdays from the Norse mythologies, but we believe in neither. The Hebrews also did not invent their language. lt was used in Canaan before the Conquest. Therefore, some Hebrew wörds may be of Canaanite .origin, which is not to suggest that the Hebrews used them with the original Canaanite connotation. Biblical usage is therefore the best criterion ofthe meaning of a word, and to that end our authors have depended heavily on their concordances. But usage is often limited, and all the evidence available was evaluated, we think judiciously. There will be dµferences of opinion among our readers as to some of the conclusions here presented. Such differences will arise in part from different viewpoints brought to bear on the subject. Obvi ously these studies are neither complete nor final, but the editors and authQrs believe that the definitions given can be well defended. We hope that the work may result in the edification of the church of Christ through the assistance it may give to her ministers and His servants. Often it was not easy to decide which words would be defined, and of those, which ones would receive lengthy discussion. In many cases, thedecisions made couldbe questioned. Partly because of this and partly because of the convenience of having all the Old Testament words at least touched upon in one reference book, it was decided ·to include also the vocables not chosen for essay treatment and give them one-line definitions-usually following the lead of the long-time standard, Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, by Francis Brown, S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs. lt was decided not to include the Old Testament names, except for a few of special theolog ical import, like Abraham, Jerusalem, Jordan, and so on. For the principles ofname formation in the Hebrew world, one may consult the work of Dr. Allan A. MacRae, "The Semitic Names in the Nuzi Tablets," in Nuzi Personal Names, ed. l. J. Gelb, University ofChicago, 1943. The bibliographies following many ofthe articles were supplied largely by the contributors, but the editors also attempted to supplement their material. Dr. Tom Finch, a recent graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, combed leading theological journals of the past thirty years, especially those in English, for articles bearing on the meaning of the words under discussion. lll INTRODUCTION The editors then checked those articles as to their applicability. Other sources have often been noted, such as the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (which has an index of Hebrew words discussed) and the Theologisches Handbuch zum Alten Testament . .T he Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament was not largely available. The listing is arranged according to the consonants of the Hebrew alphabet (see "Sugges tions for Use" for details). The Wordbook collects related words and defines nouns, adjec tives, and so on, together with the root from which they are derived. Grouping together related words has the advantage of convenience and economy. lt perhaps has a disadvantage of overemphasizing etymology above usage. lt has a further disadvantage in that nouns with prefixes appear out of their alphabetical order. To obviate this problem, any word whose spelling differs from that of its root is listed in the proper alphabetical sequence with a numerical cross reference to the root. (Again, for details see "Suggestions for U se. ") In Hebrew, as is weil known, most of the roots are verbs, and they are built on a tri consonantal pattern. With only twenty-two consonants, a system of tri-consonantal roots is somewhat limited. The Hebrew vocabulary was far less than the rieb English vocabulary of around 750,000 words. And the biblical vocabulary is only a percentage-an unknown percentage-ofthe words in use in the living language. Even so, some combinations ofletters form one, tw.o, or even more roots using the same consonants. These roots are marked as I, II, III, and so forth. Actually, the various authorities sometimes differ as to whether one root has two somewhat divergent meanings or whether two separate roots are involved. In such cases, the writers usually discuss the question. The value of the Wordbook is largely due to the faithful work ofthe forty-six contributors who agreed to study the words assigned them and compress their study into the allowed format. Their articles are signed. The contributors were asked to study their words from the viewpoint of biblical usage, etymological background, comparison with cognate languages, translations in the ancient versions, synonyms, antonyms, and theological significance. Also, they were to consider the use of their words in passages of special difficulty. Naturally, not all of those items were applicable to every word. And the writers feit the pressure of fitting their study into the narrow limitations of a two-volume book of this nature. Many things they would have liked to include could not be worked in. lt should be explained that although • the contributors held the same high view of the truthfulness. of the Bible and the reliability of its text, they were of different denominational and exegetical traditions. The editors in general have allowed the writers to speak for them selves. Some variations in treatment may therefore be expected. For instance, some use the name "Yahweh" for lsrael's God, some the word "Lord," some "Jehovah." (This matter is discussed under the possible root of the name, häya.) In a number of cases where a writer gave only one opinion on a particular question, the editors for the sake of completeness mentioned a different view. In cases of significance, these additions were submitted to the contributors and approved. In less significant cases, the editors themselves added such additional material, believing that it did not violate the integrity of the author. If in any such case, time and circumstances prevented conference and the authors' views have not been fairly represented, the editors can only express sincere regret and hope that no harm has been done. In some cases when helpful additional material, perhaps speculative, or other views were available, the editors have added bracketed material with their own initials. All the articles were read by the editor. Also, the two associate editors each read about half of the articles. So all were double-checked. Final responsibility for what may be amiss rests with the editor. The work has taken much longer than expected. Selecting authors and encouraging them to meet deadlines was a long process. A number of the authors, as weil as the editors, were IV INTRODUCTION heavily involved in the translation of the New International Version and gave it priority. But the contributors were careful and faithful, and the material in time became voluminous. We are jndebted to Chrisona Peterson (now Mrs. Julian Schmidt), our copy editor, for her very extensive work in editing, styling, alphabetizing, cutting, pasting (ad infinitum), and proofreading. Dr. Tom Finch has already been mentioned in connection with bis work on the bibliographies. Two students at Covenant Seminary, Jeffrey Weir and Ken Wolf, worked on the Index of Correspondence, between the numbers of the Wordbook and those of Strong's Concordance, found at the back ofthe book. Moody Press and its representatives, first David R. Douglass. then William G. Crider, were most helpful and supportive at every turn. Finally, hearty thanks are due to the Xerox machine and the process of computer tape printing, which greatly assists in producing a book of complicated typography and considerable extent like this one. With gratitude to the Lord for the completion of this work, we pray for His blessing upon it (Psalm 90: 17). R. Laird Harris Gleason J. Archer, Jr. Bruce K. Waltke V CONTRIBUTORS Entries are made in order of authors' last names. R.L.A. ALOEN, Robert, L., Ph.D., Profes J.E.H. HARTLEY, John E., Ph.D., sor of Old Testament, Conservative Chairperson, Division of Philoso Baptist Theological Seminary, Den phy and Religion, Azusa Pacific ver, Colorado College, Azusa, Califomia R.H.A. ALEXANDER, Ralph H., Th.D., C.D.I. ISBELL, Charles D., Ph.D., Professor of Old Testament Lan Former Associate Professor of Old guage and Exegesis, Western Con Testament, Nazarene Theological servative Baptist Seminary, Port Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri land, Oregon W.C.K. KAISER, Walter C., Ph.D., Dean R.B.A. ALLEN, Ronald B., Th.D., Pro and Chairman of the Old Testament fessor of Old Testament Language and Semitic Languages, Trinity and Exegesis, Western Conserva Evangelical Divinity School, Deer tive Baptist Seminary, Portland, field, Illinois Oregon E.S.K. KALLAND, Earl S., Th.D., D.D., G.L.A. ARCHER, Gleason L., Ph.D., Pro Professor Emeritus of Old Testa fessor of Old Testament and Semi ment and Former Dean of Conser tic Languages, Trinity Evangelical vative Baptist Seminary, Den ver, Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois Colorado H.J.A. AUSTEL, Hermann J., Ph.D., J.P.L. LEWIS, Jack P., Ph.D., Professor Dean, North West Baptist Semi of Bible, Harding Graduate School nary, Tacoma, Washington of Religion, Memphis, Tennessee A.B. BOWLING, Andrew, Ph.D., As sociate Professor of Bible and Reli G.H.L. LIVINGSTON, G. Herbert, Ph.D., gion, John Brown University, Professor of Old Testament, As bury Theological Seminary, Wil Siloam Springs, Arkansas G.L.C. CARR, G. Lloyd, Ph. D., Professor more, Kentucky of Bible and Theological Studies, T.E.M. MCCOMISKEY, Thomas E., Gordon College, Wenham, Mass Ph.D., Professor of Old Testament achusetts and Semitic Languages, Trinity G.G.C. COHEN, Gary G., Th.D., Presi Evangelical Divinity School, Deer dent, Clearwater Christian College, field, lllinois Clearwater, Florida ·A.A.M. MACRAE, Allan A., Ph.D., Presi W.B.C. COKER, William B., Ph.D., As dent and Professor of Old Testa sociate Professor of Bible, Asbury ment, Biblical School of Theology, College, Wilmore, Kentucky Hatfield, Pennsylvania L.J.C. COPPES, Leonard J., Th.D., Pas E.A.M. MARTENS, Eimer A., Ph.D., tor, Harrisville, Pennsylvania President and Professor of Old Tes R.D.C. CULVER, Robert D., Th.D., Pro tament, Biblical Seminary, Fresno, fessor of Old Testament and He California brew, Winnipeg Theological Semi J.N.O. OSWALT, John N., Ph.D., As nary, Otterburne, Manitoba, sociate Professor of Biblical Lan Canada guages and Literature, Asbury C.L.F. FEINBERG, Charles L., Th.D., Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Ph.D., Former Dean and Professor Kentucky Emeritus of Semitics and Old Tes R.D.P. PATTERSON, R. D., Ph.D., Pro tament, Talbot Theological Semi fessor of Old Testament, Grand nary, La Mirada, California Rapids Baptist Seminary, Grand M.C.F. FISHER, Milton C., Ph.D., Presi Rapids, Michigan . dent and Professor of Old Testa J.B.P. PAYNE, J. Barton, Ph.D., Late ment, Reformed Episcopal Semi Professor of Old Testament, Cov nary, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. enant Theological Seminary, St. P.R.G. GILCHRIST, Paul R., Ph.D., Pro Louis, Missouri fessor of Biblical Studies, Covenant C.R. ROGERS, Cleon, Th.D., Director, College, Lookout Mountain, Ten Freie Theologische Akademie, nessee Seeheim, West Germany L.G. GOLDBERG, Louis, Th.D., Pro i.B.S. SCOTT, Jack, B., Ph.D., Former fessor of Theology and Jewish Professor of Old Testament, Re Studies, Moody Bible Institute, formed Theological Seminary, Jack Chicago, 1llinois son, Mississippi V.P.H. HAMILTON, Victor P., Ph.D., Chairman of Division of Philosophy c.s. SCHULTZ, Carl, Ph.D., Professor and Religion, Asbury College, of Old Testament, Houghton Col Wilmore, Kentucky lege, Houghton, New York R.L.H. HARRIS, R. Laird, Ph.D., Profes E.B.S. SMICK, Eimer B., Ph.D., Profes sor of Old Testament, Covenant sor of Old Testament, Gordon Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Conwell Theological Seminary, Missouri South Hamilton, Massachusetts vii CONTRIBUTORS J.E.S. SMITH, James E., Th.D., D.J.W. WISEMAN, Donald J., D. Lit., Academic Dean and Professor of Professor of Assyriology, School of Old Testament, Central Florida Oriental and African Studies, Lon Bible College, Orlando, Florida don, England H.G.S. STIGERS, Harold G., Ph.D., L.W. WALKER, Larry, Ph.D., Profes Former Professor, Author, and sor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Lecturer, Glendale, Missouri Mid-America Baptist Seminary, G.V.G. VAN GRONINGEN, Gerard, Memphis, Tennessee Ph.D., President, Trinity Christian H.W. WOLF, Herbert, Ph.D., Associate College, Palos Heights, Illinois Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois B.K.W. WALTKE, Bruce K., Th.D., L.J.W. WOOD, Leon J., Ph.D., Late Pro Ph.D., Professor ofüld Testament, fessor of Old Testament, Grand Regents College, Vancouver, Rapids Bible Seminary, Grand British Columbia, Canada Rapids, Michigan C.P.W. WEBER, Carl Philip, Ph.D., E.Y. Y AMAUCHI, Edwin, Ph.D., Pro Teacher, Letcher High School, fessor and Director of Graduate Whitesburg, Kentucky Studies, History Department, w.w. WHITE, William, Ph.D., Specialist Miami University, Oxford, Ohio in Biblical Languages, Warrington, R.F.Y. YOUNGBLOOD, Ronald F., Pennsylvania Ph.D., Associate Dean of Graduale M.R.W. WILSON, Marvin R., Ph.D., Pro School and Professor of Old Testa fessor of Biblical Studies, Gordon ment, Wheaton College, Wheaton, College, Wenham, Massachusetts Illinois viii
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